The Detroit-based automaker this week announced a new multi-year corporate alliance with the Mickey Mouse company that includes a modernization of the ride and Chevrolet as the new presenting sponsor instead of GM.

"As a global brand, Chevrolet is looking forward to welcoming guests from around the world to the re-imagined Test Track," said GM Global Chief Marketing Officer Joel Ewanick. “The best of Disney and the best of Chevrolet will come together to bring guests an immersive experience in the design process of the vehicles they see on the road today and will see in the future.”

Using brand names instead of GM has been a strategy of GM CEO Dan Akerson since taking over the post-bankrupt automaker.

To redesign the track, the ride is expected to close in April 2012 with an anticipated reopening as the Chevrolet Design Center at Epcot in late 2012.

The current one-mile ride lasts about five minutes and goes up to 60 miles per hour.